PRONE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'prone' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed , liable , open , sensitive , subject , and susceptible . While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something. // prone to delay

Q: When would 'exposed' be a good substitute for 'prone'?

The words exposed and prone are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening. // exposed to infection

Q: When is 'liable' a more appropriate choice than 'prone'?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation. // liable to get lost

Q: In what contexts can 'open' take the place of 'prone'?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence. // a claim open to question

Q: When can 'sensitive' be used instead of 'prone'?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli. // unduly sensitive to criticism

Q: When could 'subject' be used to replace 'prone'?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone. // all reports are subject to review

Q: Where would 'susceptible' be a reasonable alternative to 'prone'?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable. // very susceptible to flattery

prone

adjective

ˈprōn

Definition of prone

as in inclined

having a tendency to be or act in a certain way he was prone to emotional outbursts under stress

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in prostrate

lying with the face downwards quickly subdue the suspect and get him into a prone position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prone contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prone are exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean "being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse," prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

When would exposed be a good substitute for prone?

The words exposed and prone are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

When is liable a more appropriate choice than prone?

In some situations, the words liable and prone are roughly equivalent. However, liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

In what contexts can open take the place of prone?

The synonyms open and prone are sometimes interchangeable, but open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

When can sensitive be used instead of prone?

The meanings of sensitive and prone largely overlap; however, sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

When could subject be used to replace prone?

The words subject and prone can be used in similar contexts, but subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

Where would susceptible be a reasonable alternative to prone?

While the synonyms susceptible and prone are close in meaning, susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of prone Caglianone should take advantage of his matchup against a homer-prone and fly-ball pitcher by launching a home run tonight and cash in for bettors who take advantage of his alluring +489 odds to hit a home run. — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Though typically lower in fat, frozen yogurt is prone to containing high amounts of sugar. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 In both Antipodean countries, the virus was first found in the same type of subantarctic seabird –– the brown skua, an aggressive scavenger that is prone to attacking like a crow. — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 Cream and white bouclé sofas are especially prone to showing spills, grime and dye transfer from clothing. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prone

Adjective

Of course, with Aegon still breathing, the High Septon is less inclined than ever to anoint a woman in defiance of the deeply patriarchal Faith of the Seven.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
And with the midterm elections quickly approaching, both sides of the aisle appear inclined to push off the fight for now.

— Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclined

Adjective

For fire safety, avoid woody spreading plants like prostrate acacia (Acacia redolens) and plumbago (Plumbago auriculata).

— The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Plants grow about two feet tall but have a prostrate habit that looks attractive at the edge of a wall or path.

— Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

Definition of prostrate

Adjective

Instead, pack blazers, dress shirts, and anything with structure in a garment bag, which requires fewer folds and lays flat.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of flat

Adjective

Number 1, because each well requires up to 20 million gallons of fresh water to frac a typical horizontal well.

— Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Four horizontal propellers provide vertical lift, while a separate propeller at the rear drives the aircraft during forward flight.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of horizontal

Cite this Entry

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“Prone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prone. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prone

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Synonyms of prone

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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Challenging Words You Should Know

Prone vs. Supine vs. Prostrate

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on prone

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'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

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Games & Quizzes